Romans 1:17

Modern

For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Traditional

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Literal

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it has been written: “And the righteous one will live by faith.”

Latin

Justitia enim Dei in eo revelatur ex fide in fidem: sicut scriptum est: Justus autem ex fide vivit.

Greek

English

For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

the righteousness of God: This important phrase appears eight times in Romans (see also 3:5, 21, 22, 25, 26; 10:3; the only other occurrence in Paul's writings is 2 Corinthians 5:21). In the Old Testament, God’s righteousness refers to who God is (holy and faithful) and to what God does when he rescues his people and makes things right (see especially Isaiah 46:13; 51:5–8). Paul uses the second meaning in this verse. The gospel (the good news about Jesus) has the power to save because it fulfills God's promise to defend his people.
"The righteous will live by faith": The prophet Habakkuk struggled to understand how God could use nations that worshiped false gods to judge his own people, Israel. God reminded Habakkuk that his true people were the righteous, who needed to live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4). In Romans 1–4, Paul often insists that only by faith can humans become right with God.

These verses include typical features of New Testament letter introductions:

Theme notes and profiles

Habakkuk 2:4
Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—
Galatians 3:11
Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”
Hebrews 10:38
But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”
Philippians 3:9
…and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
Hebrews 11:6–7
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Romans 9:30
What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;
Romans 3:21
But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.
Romans 3:3
What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?
John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”